May 2, 2024
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☰
Trailbreaker Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Trailbreaker Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.5 
Organization 3.6 
Spectators 2.1
Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 21 to 28]
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S. B. from Sconny
(4/2/2006)
 "Nice race" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Trailbreaker Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The previous comments accurately describe the course. The "non-trail" areas were pretty and pleasant and quiet. Race organization was just fine. By the time I was done with the full marathon, the remaining food was bagels, popcorn and peanuts. Volunteers were great, aid stations were well stocked and staffed. More portable restrooms available than most races. The trail wasn't too rugged, and made the run more interesting and scenic. Police did a great job with traffic control at the few places where it was needed. Obviously not a race for you if you need spectators or something fancy as far as post-race food, but I'd recommend it otherwise. Nice little race that doesn't cost much. | |
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k. D. from Wisconsin
(6/22/2005)
"They're getting better!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Trailbreaker Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I've run this marathon or half marathon many times and they keep getting better. This year they had a really nice wind shirt for both half marathoners and full marathoners. I heard many comments from other runners that they really liked the shirt. The half marathon course is quite flat, being on an abandoned railway bike path. The full marathon does have about 6 miles on the Ice Age Trail and includes climbing a tower. That portion of the race is the only real challenge, as in some areas I felt I had to walk because of being either too slippery or too rocky. Bascially, there are no spectators--it's difficult for them to access the trail. There definitely are not enough water stops and the mile markers still aren't accurate, but I keep hoping they'll improve these things eventually. The finish had beer, popcorn, hot dogs, etc. which I rather enjoyed! It was better fare than at Boston, which basically gave you a bottle of water and a tiny bag of pretzels. Despite some of its flaws, I still like this race and I'll be back. It's a good early-spring race to get you fired up about the upcoming racing season. | |
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A. B. from McFarland,Wi
(4/2/2005)
 "Doesn't live up to its promo!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Trailbreaker Marathons
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Only 6 actual miles of trail. Paved bike path does not qualify (get real). There were few aid stations, and those that were there were poorly stocked, leaving one very depleted. The shirt I was given went straight into the trash when I got home - the worst shirt I've ever rec'd. I should mention that when this event started about 14 years ago I had a bad experience and vowed I'd never return; yet it did fit into my training plans for '05 and so I thought it had to be improved--WRONG! And it is true: hot dogs, potato chips, and beer for a post-race feed. Yikes! Look elsewhere! | |
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E.J. Rosenberg from Black River Falls, WI
(3/28/2004)
 "Worth making the trip because..." (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Trailbreaker Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course is accurately described by others. I would only add for someone thinking it may be beyond their talents... it isn't. The difficulty isn't too great and you'll have fun. Just don't expect a PR here. You won't find plentiful, accurate mile-markers, so if you're anal about paces and finishing time projections you might as well stay home. There aren't any fancy trinkets for finishing, either. Why you should come participate can be summed-up in one word... CAMARADERIE! Most people don't come here to get too serious about racing. It is a good early season conditioning barometer. Many of the Ice Age Trail 50 ultramarathoners use this as a training run and a chance to drink some beers with old friends. Many races try to pretend they're something they're not. This race is very comfortable and successful with its identity. It raises funds and awareness for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and through the many enthusiastic volunteers puts on a great event. This was my first year, but I will definitely be back. I'm not real fast, so save some beer for me at the finish! | |
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schreiner dan from chicago
(3/27/2004)
"The worst marathon ever" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Trailbreaker Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 The trailbreaker marathon is terrible. The race didn't start on time, there were almost no spectators, and the post-race party was for pigs. Typically one is served beer and hotdogs at a baseball game, not a marathon. The website for the race is as poorly run as the race itself. Stay away from Wisconsin!!!!! | |
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C. S. from Madison WI
(11/10/2003)
"Most Difficult?" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This race is billed as one of the 10 most difficult marathons in the country. I fail to see how this can be. The vast majority of the race is on a pancake flat paved bike path - not at all difficult. A portion of the course is on rugged single track (which was slick the year I ran it) but I wouldn't really call it 'difficult' for anyone who has ventured off roads before. The turn-around is at the top of a 40-foot lookout tower. This is unique and somewhat difficult, but it is nothing compared to the uphills of western trail marathons in the mountains. Organization was good, post-race food was good, and the T-shirt was unique in that it had a small lookout tower on the sleeve for every year you ran the race (you indicated how many Trailbreakers you have run on the entry form). Unfortunately the shirt was not great otherwise (large picture of the Remax ballon), and there were no finisher's medals. | |
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J. H. from New Richmond, Wisconsin
(4/2/2003)
"Small, well run event" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This marathon starts in downtown Waukesha, crosses numerous streets before heading out on a flat bike path. At about mile ten runners head into the woods on a very rugged, narrow trail that is very challenging and slow going. You go up and down, but mostly up until you reach a 40 foot fire tower that serves as the turn around point. You then head back down the trail meeting runners along the way. Everyone was saying 'Way to go', it was pretty neat! Volunteers stayed at their post even though it was very cold and windy. A few more mile markers would have been nice.Overall I was pleased with the event. | |
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A Runner from Champaign, IL
(6/18/2001)
 "Good course, but need longer trail section" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Does it make sense to call a marathon 'Trailbreaker' when it is less than 50% trail? The best part of this race is the section on the Ice Age Trail and the turn-around at a 40' look-out tower! Overall it is a nice, small, event that will please most people who don't want a full trail marathon. I would have preferred more trail running. T-shirt was OK, but there were no medals for finishers. |
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